Ferrari outlines plans for Lewis Hamilton's first test after Mercedes switch

Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton will test a Ferrari car for the first time in early 2025. The seven-time World Champion is set to make the big switch to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season, ending his long and successful partnership with Mercedes.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes at the end of the 2024 season. He will begin a multi-year deal with the Scuderia, marking a new chapter in his remarkable F1 career. However, before the new season starts, Hamilton will have the chance to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

It was initially hoped that Hamilton might drive a Ferrari car during post-season testing in Abu Dhabi after the 2024 F1 season. However, plans for this early test were ruled out. According to sources, both Hamilton and Mercedes had already made other commitments for the days following the season finale. As a result, the only opportunity for Hamilton to test a Ferrari before the season begins will be in 2025.

Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that Hamilton is likely to take part in some TPC (Testing of a Previous Car) days early in 2025. The plan is to have him drive the Ferrari F1-75, which was the team's car in the 2022 season. Ferrari has previously allowed its drivers to test cars at their in-house Fiorano track.

While Vasseur didn’t specify exactly when or where these tests will take place, he emphasized that Hamilton would not need much time to get up to speed. "He is experienced enough to be quick on the first day, or at least very soon," Vasseur said. He added that just a few testing days should be enough for Hamilton to adjust to the Ferrari.

For now, Hamilton is not yet involved in the team’s race plans for 2025. Vasseur mentioned that part of the team is already working on a test plan for the upcoming season, but Hamilton’s role will focus mainly on the TPC days and the official pre-season testing.

Hamilton’s first official F1 test with Ferrari will take place in Bahrain in February 2025. Three days of pre-season testing are scheduled from February 26 to 28, where all the teams will prepare for the new season. The first-of-its-kind car launch event will be held in London on February 18, where each team will unveil their new cars and liveries. This marks the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, a significant milestone for the sport.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is one of the biggest changes in the F1 world. His arrival at the team has sparked excitement among fans and experts alike. Ferrari fans are eager to see how the legendary driver will perform with the team, and Hamilton himself is looking forward to this fresh challenge in his career.